The midwife will be stopping in for a visit later today. It could be the last visit before the baby arrives. I have questions I’d like to ask . . . Is baby in good position? What can we do in preparation for delivery? What is baby’s heart rate?
I’ve birthed eight babies, but this birth is different. This time it’s my baby girl preparing to birth her first baby! It’s been fun to watch from the sidelines as my daughter gets closer each month to joining The Motherhood Club. It’s one thing to walk through nine months of pregnancy myself but a whole other thing watching my daughter walk through nine months of pregnancy. She greets me with her sweet smile that says “Yes, Mother” when I ask all those annoying questions: How are you feeling, are you taking your supplements, are you drinking enough water, are you eating enough protein, are your ankles swelling, have you felt the baby move, etc. You know, all those questions I used to field from well-meaning family, friends and strangers.
As her due date draws near, I want her to know . . .
- she’s beautiful. Swollen belly, sweating brow, awkward movement only makes her all the more beautiful. “I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.” [Psalm 139:14]
- she isn’t alone. She will soon join an exclusive club of women who’ve borne their children, pushing their bodies further than they’ve ever imagined, just the way God designed them, and He is there with her. “and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” [Matt. 28:20]
- I love her. No matter what. As soon as I knew of her tiny life within my womb I fell in love, just as she has already grown to love the life within her. “For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition which I asked of Him.” [1 Sam. 1:27]
- it’s okay to be frightened, to not have all the answers. “…for with God all things are possible.” [Mark 10:27]
- she CAN do this! She can manage labor and deliver this baby and nurture her little one. “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” [2 Cor 12:9]
- she will see the Image of God, when she looks into the face of her wee babe. “God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him...” [Gen. 1:27]
- she will experience pain and heartache that I can help bear but won’t be able to take away. “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” [Matt. 11:29-30]
- she will experience joy beyond anything she’s imagined. “A woman, when she is in labor, has sorrow because her hour has come; but as soon as she has given birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world.” [John 16:21]
- her child will teach her things beyond belief. “But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.” [Luke 2:10]
- each baby is a blessing. And each grandbaby is a thrill! “[You] shall be like a fruitful vine In the very heart of your house, Your children like olive plants All around your table.” [Psalm 128:3]
What God Hath Promised
God hath not promised
Skies always blue,
Flower-strewn pathways
All our lives through; God hath not promised Sun without rain, Joy without sorrow, Peace without pain. But God hath promised Strength for the day, Rest for the labor, Light for the way, Grace for the trials, Help from above, Unfailing sympathy, Undying love.
I relive sweet memories as I watch my daughter prepare to bring her little one into this world. I experience fear of things out of my control. I draw near to God for peace and strength as I cheer my daughter on. I anxiously anticipate the arrival of another sweet babe, our newest grandchild, a blessing indeed, a miracle.
Linda Sears is a stay-at-home wife, homeschooling mom and doting grandmother. She and her husband have 8 children, a daughter-in-law, 2 sons-in-law and 5 grandchildren, so far. They have been homeschooling for more than 20 years, graduating 4 of their 8 children, with 4 more to go. You’ll find her at Apron Strings & other things where she blogs about life with children in various stages of cutting those apron strings. You can also connect with her on Facebook, Pinterest and Google+.
How exciting! Having 11children myself (one already an adult and moved out), I can definitely relate with the both of you. This was so beautifully written. What an encouragement to mothers-to-be and their families!
Thank you, Shelly, for your sweet comment. 11 Children? how blessed you are! It is very exciting to welcome my daughters into the Motherhood Club. 2 of our daughters and one son are now parents and have stepped into the role beautifully. So fun to watch. Have a blessed day!
I have had the pleasure of interacting with Linda over the past couple of weeks as I’m hosting a Lilla Rose party. She is indeed a delight to know. Her children & grandchildren are blessed.
awwww, Georgia. Thank you for the sweet compliment! I’ve enjoyed getting to know you too! Have a blessed weekend 🙂
Thanks for sharing. I love sharing Bible verses with women who are pregnant and anticipating labor.
It’s a great blessing, Shiloh. It helps so much to have God’s Word in our hearts and our minds and even on our tongues as we go through labor and delivery.